Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa & Shinjuku-sanchome — Guide Masa

Title: What Can You See on a Full-Day Private Tour of Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Tsukiji, the Imperial Palace, Harajuku, and Shibuya

The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first visit to Japan. They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous evening and taken a limousine bus to their hotel. The guests had studied Japan quite thoroughly beforehand. They planned to stay in Japan for two weeks, spending several days in Tokyo before traveling to Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, then returning to Tokyo before heading home. Their request was: "Even if our time at each destination is short, we would like to visit as many sightseeing spots as possible."

The tour took place in weather that was a little chilly in the morning and hot during the day.

We took the Marunouchi Line and Ginza Line to Asakusa. From Kaminarimon Gate, we walked through the Nakamise shopping street to the main hall. The guests were surprised by the enormous crowds. I explained the history of Sensoji Temple and the transition from Edo to Tokyo, the five-story pagoda, and the difference between Buddhism and Shinto. There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" and "What kind of teaching is Buddhism?"

We moved on to Tsukiji, where we strolled leisurely through the Tsukiji fish market and the Tsukiji outer market. I explained the history of Tsukiji market and the difference between Tsukiji and Toyosu markets. There was a question, "Is it always this crowded?" The guests purchased some bean snacks.

We moved on to the Imperial Palace. I explained about the Edo period and the Meiji Restoration, why Edo Castle became the Imperial Palace, and the current challenges facing the Imperial Family. There were also questions such as "Does the Emperor really live inside here?" and "Does the Emperor hold any political authority?"

We moved on to Harajuku. At Meiji Shrine, I explained the difference between Shinto and Buddhism, and also spoke about Emperor Meiji. The guests remarked, "It is wonderful that there is such a green place in the center of the city."

We moved on to Shibuya, where the guests experienced the scramble crossing and took a commemorative photo in front of the Hachiko statue. There was also a question, "Why are there so many people here? Are they mostly Japanese, or are they travelers?" The guests also commented, "Everyone is so polite," "The city is clean, there is no litter on the ground," "There are no trash cans on the streets," "There are no homeless people to be seen," and "The public restrooms are clean and pleasant."

I saw the guests off at Shinjuku-Sanchome Station, and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Masa

Guiding career:
Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
Self-introduction:
In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
I am a certified CPA in the United States.
In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.